Belize Stages Three-Phase Hurricane Exercise for Dangriga Fisherfolk

The Government of Belize conducted a three-phase hurricane preparedness simulation exercise for fisherfolk and fishing cooperatives in Dangriga Town last month. 

The Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation (MBEMC) staged the one-day event in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO).

The exercise tested emergency protocols around a hurricane threat affecting southern Belize through exercises and a full-scale field drill. Participants tested how official early warning information is handled, how fishing activities are suspended, and how vessels and equipment are secured.

The simulation also examined how fishing cooperatives’ records are protected, how evacuation routes are confirmed, and coordination before, during, and immediately after a hurricane.

Beverly Wade, Chief Executive Officer at the MBEMC, mentioned that upgrading emergency preparedness across the fishing industry is important to protect their livelihoods. She added that such measures help coastal towns recover quickly following a natural disaster.